THE Prime Minister has vowed to stand up for British culture and traditions - such as Christmas - over claims they could be killed off through the “fear of being racist”.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions Theresa May recognised a report spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey, who criticised councils for being scared of seeming "racist" by promoting British traditions.

Dame Casey’s report highlighted one instance where an “incredibly well-meaning white manager” put up a “festive tree” in a community centre so as not to offend his Asian and Muslim colleagues by calling it a Christmas tree.

She said: “What offence did he think he was causing?

“What did we ever think would be offensive about celebrating Christmas with a tree?

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Theresa May vowed to stand up for Christmas and other British traditions

We want to be able to stand up for our traditions - and that includes Christmas

Theresa May

“I have become convinced that it is only the upholding of our core British laws, cultures, values and traditions that will offer us the route map through the different and complex challenge of creating a cohesive society.”

The debate in the House of Commons was started when Shaliest Vara, Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, called on the Prime Minister to send a “loud and clear” message to council officials to appreciate that minority groups should respect “mainstream Britain”.

He said: “Will the Prime Minister take the opportunity to send a loud and clear message that the best way to secure a harmonious society is not only for mainstream Britain to respect minority traditions such as Diwali, Vaisakhi and Eid.

“But also council officials should appreciate minority communities should respect the views and traditions of mainstream Britain.

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She spoke of creating "tolerance and understanding" amongst communities

“And that means; Christmas is not 'Winterval' and Christmas trees are not festive trees.”

In response, the Prime Minister agreed that she wanted “tolerance and understanding” amongst communities.

She said: “I’m not going to comment or preempt the findings of Louise Casey’s work and her review, which is an important piece of work.